In a surprising political move, Philip Shaibu, former Deputy Governor of Edo State, has thrown his support behind the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Monday Okpebholo, for the forthcoming governorship election scheduled for September 21 in Edo State. This endorsement has stirred the political waters of Edo State, where the contest promises to be a heated battle among significant contenders.
Shaibu, a prominent political figure, made this announcement during the 2024 Father’s Day celebration at Saint Paul’s Catholic Church in Benin City, the Edo State capital. The event saw Shaibu participating as one of the altar servers, a role that underscores his continued connection to the local community. It was against this backdrop of religious observance and community engagement that Shaibu chose to make his political stance known.
Initially, the governorship race in Edo State featured three notable “homeboys”: Shaibu himself, Monday Okpebholo of the APC, and Olumide Akpata of the Labour Party (LP). Shaibu’s withdrawal from the race has now reshaped the dynamics of the election, narrowing the competition and adding weight to his endorsement of Okpebholo. This move is seen as a strategic alignment, reflective of Shaibu’s political acumen and his understanding of the local political landscape.
Shaibu emphasized that his decision to support Okpebholo was made in the spirit of democratic freedom, as encouraged by the current Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Governor Obaseki has previously stated that individuals are free to support any candidate of their choice, irrespective of party affiliations. This stance by the governor has seemingly paved the way for Shaibu to publicly back the APC candidate without facing accusations of party disloyalty.
Addressing concerns about potential anti-party activities, Shaibu clarified that his support for Okpebholo does not constitute a betrayal of his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He pointed out that Governor Obaseki himself had demonstrated a flexible approach to party politics in previous elections, where he had engaged with both the PDP and the Labour Party. This precedent of cross-party collaboration and support within Edo State politics provides a context for Shaibu’s current actions.
Shaibu’s endorsement of Okpebholo is expected to influence the electorate significantly. His political influence and grassroots connections can mobilize support for the APC candidate, potentially altering the electoral landscape. Okpebholo, who now enjoys the backing of a former deputy governor, is likely to gain increased visibility and credibility among voters who respect Shaibu’s political judgment and leadership.
Furthermore, this endorsement highlights the fluid nature of Nigerian politics, where alliances can shift, and support can cross party lines in pursuit of broader political goals. Shaibu’s move can be interpreted as a strategic effort to ensure that his vision for Edo State’s future aligns with a candidate he believes is best suited to lead, regardless of party labels.
“I will support a homeboy, I came into politics to contest as the governor of Edo State because I need government to return to homeboy – people that understand our plight, people that understand what the people are feeling. Even the United Nations talks about the need for assessment. We don’t want outsiders, we have experimented, with outsiders and it’s not working, so this time around, we want homeboy,” he said.
“Today I came in as a homeboy, we have only two homeboys in the major political parties in Edo State. One is in labour, and one is in APC, and I choose to follow another homeboy in the APC. The man they are parading in the PDP is an outsider, and we have also agreed that no more godfatherism in Edo, so the man the PDP is trying to portray in Edo now is the godson of Obasek, and there is no way godsons will now be governor of Edo.”
“The governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki says that everybody has the right to support whoever he wants to support, but he forgot also that he doesn’t have the right to stop anybody from whom he wants to support,” he said.
“But I take one part from what he said, we all have the right to support whom we want to support, so it’s my right to decide who I want to support.”
The upcoming governorship election in Edo State will undoubtedly be closely watched, not just for the outcome, but for the implications of such high-profile endorsements. Shaibu’s support for Okpebholo adds an intriguing layer to the political narrative, showcasing how personal convictions and political strategy can intertwine in the complex dance of Nigerian politics.
Philip Shaibu’s endorsement of APC’s Monday Okpebholo for the Edo State governorship election represents a significant political development. It underscores the evolving nature of political affiliations and the impact of individual endorsements in shaping electoral outcomes. As the election approaches, this move by a former deputy governor will likely resonate with voters and political observers alike, adding to the anticipation and stakes of the September 21 election.
